Loyalty

After Niu Gao successfully defended himself against Yang Wudi's attack, we returned to the Defense Clan's residence. Upon reaching the main hall, Niu Gao bowed deeply.

"As the leader of the Defense Clan, I am here to represent the clan and pledge loyalty to the second imperial prince, Dai Mubai," he declared without hesitation.

"Come now, elder, there's no need to be so formal." I smiled, satisfied with the attitude of both clans.

"Old Rhino, you actually managed to withstand my attack... But, young master, what exactly did you do to Old Rhino?" Yang Wudi couldn't hold back his curiosity and questioned me directly.

My mood was excellent after securing the loyalty of two exceptional clans, so I explained briefly.

"The red runes on Elder Niu Gao's body are part of a special technique. This technique allows the exchange of physical nutrients for a temporary increase in soul power. On its own, this enhances the elder's defense, but the key lies in a self-created technique called Hierro."

"Hierro compresses soul power to the point of hardening the skin. I taught Elder Niu Gao how to apply it directly to his armor, focusing on the areas used for defense. With this, combined with the abilities of his Soul Rings, his defense reached a new level."

I looked directly at Niu Gao and continued, "However, elder, don't be deceived. This doesn't mean your defense has reached its peak. In truth, it's far from it. There are still ways to bypass your protection, such as internal attacks or techniques that deal true damage. Until you can defend against such techniques, you can't claim to be the strongest defense of all."

Niu Gao scratched his head, visibly embarrassed as he recalled declaring himself "the strongest defense" after the confrontation. I took the opportunity to warn him again, "Also, elder, remember that the technique exchanging nutrients for power must be used with caution. Every time you use it, you'll require a long recovery period. Look at how thin and sickly you appear." It was evident that Niu Gao was thinner than before. His once robust muscles now looked somewhat flabby.

"Haha! Don't worry, young master. I'll be more careful from now on." He laughed loudly, trying to dismiss my concerns.

I sighed in exasperation. While reliable, Niu Gao's carefree nature often made him impulsive.

The nutrient-exchange technique is actually based on a formation created directly on the physical body. It's an extremely delicate process and requires a high level of physical strength. Without it, the formation can cause catastrophic damage to the user's body. Moreover, controlling body-based formations is complicated; a single mistake could lead to self-destruction.

Though it might seem rude, Niu Gao proved to be incredibly talented with formations, handling such a risky technique with ease. On the other hand, I don't intend to create formations on my own body. The Xiantian divine energy keeps my body pure, meaning any external object or technique incompatible with it is automatically rejected. While this doesn't stop others from using it, for me, it's unfeasible.

"Young master, could you teach me these techniques as well?" Yang Wudi seemed intrigued too. His eyes gleamed as he asked.

I smiled lightly. This was exactly what I had anticipated.

The following days in Rising Dragon City were peaceful yet productive. During this time, I worked on creating the teleportation formation and took the opportunity to teach some techniques to Elders Yang Wudi and Niu Gao.

Niu Gao showed exceptional talent with both physical and traditional formations, but, to my surprise, he was impatient and entirely inept at creating Talismans. Yang Wudi, on the other hand, displayed little aptitude for formations or Talismans but mastered techniques like Shunpo, Hierro, and Cero with impressive ease. Cero was another ability I managed to replicate with Sister Daydream's help; all three techniques were among the simplest to replicate.

Among them, Yang Wudi particularly excelled in using Cero, even creating his own variations.

Meanwhile, Daydream was busy attempting to recreate Bleach's Kidos, but progress was slower than expected.

Thanks to the Communication Talismans, I was able to keep in touch with Jiangqi. She had already acquired various materials to send to both clans, aiding them in regaining their former status.

During one of our conversations, I learned that Zhu Zhuyun, Zhu Zhuqing's older sister, had awakened her Martial Soul: a Hell Spirit Cat. This was exactly as I expected from my past life's memories. My concern now was whether my arrival had affected Zhuqing's Martial Soul. I hope not.

Aside from teaching in my spare time, I spent much of those days reading books from both clans. The Defense Clan, renowned for its architecture, provided valuable ideas for formation combinations and even for my Spiritual World. The Breaking Clan, unexpectedly knowledgeable in poisons and medicine, enriched my analytical abilities, especially regarding toxins.

Recalling vaguely, I remembered that the poison used against the Heaven Dou Empire's emperor was created by the Breaking Clan. Now, with my expanded knowledge, I feel more confident that I'll secure a Titled Douluo as an ally in the future.

A few days later, I finished the teleportation formation and returned to the capital of the Star Luo Empire. Of course, I left several Communication Talismans with the two elders before departing.

With the formations established in the empire's major cities, I finally settled in my mansion, focusing on cultivating to reach level 20.

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"Young Master Bai, I know you dislike social events, but your presence has been requested by the Emperor," Jiangqi said as she adjusted my clothes, smoothing out my long golden hair, which reminded me of Xiao Yan's hairstyle.

"He's never called me for a birthday celebration before. Why now?" I grumbled in irritation. Since awakening my Martial Soul, I've avoided these parties, and they should know that. Yet the Emperor had insisted, nearly forcing me to attend.

"Isn't this your fault, Young Master? You recruited those two clans. Now everyone in the Empire knows you're willing to strengthen your power, even to the point of offending Spirit Hall," Jiangqi said with her usual neutral expression, lightly pinching my cheek in a mild scolding.

"You're always hurting me, Jiangqi. You do remember I'm your young master, right?" I asked, feeling the sting on my cheek.

"Who told you to never share your plans with me? Let's go. Young Miss Zhuqing must be ready by now." Through the mirror, I saw Jiangqi roll her eyes. I sighed before following her toward Zhuqing.

When I saw her, my eyes lit up. Zhuqing looked adorable in a purple dress with ruffles, complemented by light, childlike makeup that enhanced her cuteness. She looked like a puppy fresh from a pet store. And why not a cat? Well, I've never seen a kitten fresh from a pet store before.

"Zhuqing, you look so cute right now." Unable to resist, I patted her head.

"Big Brother Bai, you're messing up my hair." Zhuqing tried to push my hand away, but with the difference in strength between us, she couldn't. Smiling mischievously, I continued until she gave up and looked toward Jiangqi, silently pleading for help.

"Let's go, Young Master Bai. If you keep this up, the young miss will end up hating you," Jiangqi said as she grabbed my collar and began dragging me toward the carriage.

From a distance, I saw three maids swiftly tidying Zhuqing's hair with skill and precision. It seemed they were already used to these situations.

Soon after, we arrived at the carriage. I opened the door and helped Zhuqing climb in before following her. Jiangqi had insisted that this gesture should be done by me, not anyone else.

At the venue, Zhuqing moved away to be with her family. We were only engaged, and etiquette dictated that she remain with the Zhus. Worried, I asked Jiangqi to accompany her.

A royal guard recognized the carriage and guided me to the hall. Upon entering, I noticed the presence of numerous nobles, merchants, representatives of prominent clans, and even envoys from the neighboring imperial family. From afar, I spotted Elders Yang Wudi and Niu Gao, despite having asked them not to come.

"I thought you didn't need to attend. The Emperor wouldn't force you," I sighed as I approached them.

"Haha, young master, we were worried someone might act against you," said Niu Gao, though I noticed his hands were full of plates. Was he here just to eat?

"Old Rhino, the young master will think you're here only for the food. Look at the number of plates in your hands," Yang Wudi remarked, sighing. Niu Gao scratched his head in embarrassment. Since implanting the formation in his body, his appetite had increased tenfold, replacing his old obsession with wine with food.

Their presence allowed me to avoid other nobles and observe the hall more calmly. I saw groups of people chatting, but only two drew my attention: the Zhu family and my brother, Dai Weisi.

Dai Weisi was surrounded by fawning nobles, to whom he responded with nods and a cold face. Meanwhile, the Zhu family seemed more reserved, with three young girls who were clearly sisters, though the atmosphere around them was somber.

Knowing that such parties lasted for hours, I left after briefly chatting with the two elders and went for a walk in the palace gardens. The area, as vast as a park, helped alleviate the pressure of the event.

In the garden, I noticed a child, about Zhuqing's age, looking at the flowers with an unhappy expression. She was incredibly cute, with long light-brown hair and cyan eyes. Her posture and aura exuded the refinement of a young noble.

I picked a rose the same color as her eyes. According to my "analysis," the flower had a subtle fragrance that provided comfort. Approaching her, I extended the rose with a gentle smile.

"For you, young lady," I said, smiling lightly as I handed her the rose.

She held the flower, surprised. "This... Why?" she began, but I softly interrupted her.

"You seemed upset. I don't know why, but I hope this rose can brighten your mood." I walked away slowly, not looking back. This gesture was something I often did in many cities I visited, but this was the first time I'd done it without using illusions.

Of course, there was a greater purpose: accumulating positive energy.

The little girl stood there, stunned, looking at the rose before smiling. It was the first time someone had acted so amusingly toward her. Behind a tree, a masked shadow sheathed their knife, realizing I had no ill intentions.

After the walk, I returned to the hall. The Emperor arrived and joined the guests. Hours later, the party ended. I hurriedly bid farewell to the elders, who gave me amused looks, before rushing to the carriage. Thankfully, nothing extraordinary happened during the event, though it was still strange that the Emperor insisted on my presence.

In the hall, the brown-haired girl watched the boy's departure with slight displeasure. She had hoped he would talk to her again but had spent her time surrounded by spoiled noble children. To her, the boy seemed far more interesting than those irritating youths. With the boy gone, she no longer saw a reason to stay at the party.

Another girl, with black hair, also left the party after noticing the boy's departure. Zhuqing said goodbye to her family and headed for the exit, accompanied by Jiangqi.